New Vishay Multilayer Varistors for Circuit and ESD Protection Combine Typical 0.5 ns Response Time and Capacitance as Low as 25 pF

MALVERN, PENNSYLVANIA — July 31, 2003 — Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE: VSH) today announced the release of a new range of multilayer varistors that combine typical 0.5 ns response time with capacitance values down to 70 pF (25 pF optional) in accordance with CECC42000 and IEC 61051-1. Key applications for the new Vishay BCcomponents MLV 2322 varistors include voltage pulse interference protection, electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection, radio frequency interference (RFI) suppression, and input/output (I/O) port protection in a wide range of end products including cell phones, audio/video systems, computers, portable testing and measurement equipment, and automobiles.

Devices in the new MLV 2322 573 (0603 case size) and MLV 2322 574 (0805 case size) series are ideal for protecting sensitive components from incoming overvoltage transients. Additionally, the new varistors can also be used to suppress electrostatic discharges reaching 15 kV in air and 8 kV in contact (IEC 61000-4-2). Features of the new MLV series also include inherent bi-directional clamping, a high energy/volume ratio, and nickel/tin terminations. They are lead (Pb)-free according to the upcoming European legislation and withstand a three-fold lead-free reflow soldering process.

The new varistors offer a number of advantages over traditional circuit protection devices including insensitivity to reverse polarity, reduced footprint, and reduced component count. As a result, they improve design flexibility. Customer-specific versions are available upon request. All varistors in the Vishay BCcomponents series are fully glass-coated, giving greater environmental, climatic, and resistance-to-soldering-heat (RSH) protection.

Maximum average power dissipation is rated at 5 mW, while working voltages range from 4 V to 25 V, depending on the device chosen. Maximum allowed pulse current is 30 A standard, with higher values optional. The new MLV devices are supplied in paper tape-and-reel format and are suitable for wave and reflow soldering in accordance with CECC00802 and IEC 68-2-20.

Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., a Fortune 1,000 Company listed on the NYSE (VSH), is one of the world's largest manufacturers of discrete semiconductors (diodes, rectifiers, transistors, and optoelectronics) and selected ICs, and passive electronic components (resistors, capacitors, inductors, and transducers). Vishay's components can be found in products manufactured in a very broad range of industries worldwide. Vishay is headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania, and has operations in 17 countries employing over 26,000 people. Vishay can be found on the Internet at http://www.vishay.com.